Smoky Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and a fragrant garlic soy sauce for a quick and satisfying dinner. This asian fusion-inspired beef (high protein) ready in about 20 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the pan and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the beef and peppers.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Smoky Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers and Garlic high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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